Next To Heaven

A Novel

By: James Frey

Narrated by: Gina Gershon

Audiobook contains bonus content: an exclusive conversation between the author, James Frey, and the narrator, actress Gina Gershon.

“A satirical look at the "beautiful, wealthy and unsatisfied.'” —People
"Gleefully trashy page-turner set among the one percent . . .Frey is in his element here. Let the revels begin!" —Kirkus Reviews

America's most perfect town hides its darkest secrets in this “lurid” and “propulsive” novel from #1New York Times bestselling author James Frey (New York Times Book Review Podcast)–and discover a world where privilege, sex, scandal, and murder lurk beneath a flawless veneer.

New Bethlehem, Connecticut. Picture-perfect lawns, manicured hedges, and multi-million dollar homes present a carefully curated facade. But beneath the designer yoga gear and country club memberships lies a darker reality.

In this world of excess, best friends Devon and Belle have it all—beauty, money, status. But they want something more. Something dangerous. Something that makes them feel alive. Their solution? A party—a meticulously curated gathering of New Bethlehem's elite, from a desperate ex-NFL quarterback to a hockey coach with a penchant for married women, and a ruthless Wall Street "closer" who wields his wealth like a weapon.

One night. An ultra-elite swingers party. Multiple betrayals. And a murder that will shatter New Bethlehem's carefully constructed facade.

Enter a world of troubled opulence and sharp betrayal that’s reminiscent of "The White Lotus," “Your Friends and Neighbors,” and "Big Little Lies"—a world of spectacularly badly-behaved rich people where money can buy anything. . .until it ruins everything.

An addictive page-turner where rich people behaving badly has never been so entertaining.

Critic reviews

"Next to Heaven, by James Frey … will be the novel on every beach towel this summer, all summer, everywhere. Because sex and murder, yes. And because Frey could always tell a great story."

“A satirical look at the "beautiful, wealthy and unsatisfied.'”

"NSFW Gatsby."

"There's murder. There's intrigue. There's deceit. Lurid . . . Propulsive. . . appeals to one's baser instincts."

"With coke-fueled monologues, a surplus of extramarital sex scenes, and plenty of suburban ennui, Next to Heaven delivers a deliriously over-the-top portrait of decadence on the brink."

"Gleefully trashy page-turner set among the one percent . . .Frey is in his element here. Let the revels begin!"

"A Connecticut sex romp–cum–murder mystery . . . 'big nods' to Jackie Collins, Danielle Steel, and Tom Wolfe. Accordingly, its characters would feel at home in the White Lotus extended universe."

"A sizzling beach read about the misdeeds of the rich."

Really Fun

Gina Gershon was wonderful as narrator. The book was fun/sexy/engaging and scratches the itch for someone like me who enjoys the guilty pleasure of romantic comedies about rich people (Kevin Kwan style). My one big criticism was all the repetition - some of it was effective but overall a bit heavy-handed.

Fun, juicy, cannot stop listening book!!!

Just listen and let yourself escape into an alternate world and then realize maybe your own world is really good.

Denison, Westchester/Fairfield Counties and the Ice Storm

I was very drawn to this book after reading some of reviews and since I went to Denison (87’) like J. Frey, grew up in Scarsdale and have lived in Westchester/Fairfield Counties. I grew up with these people, raised my kids with these people and know these people. I’m not these people but it sure was fun to be surrounded by them. Loved the old school (like Frey said Danielle Steele or Jackie Collin’s) romp of sex, drugs, betrayal and lots of sarcasm. Without knowing where Frey lives now, I knew it based on the “New” Bethlehem location for the book. I listened to it in a day and loved every word. Gina Gershon was the perfect narrator. Can’t wait for the next book.

F@*cking awesome!

Love everything Frey does, and he delivered a helluva riveting raw raucus tale here! Would be an epic movie or series, get on it James! There could not be a better narrator, she was outstanding, a voice like a purr! Can’t wait for what comes next from these two or as single units!

Excellent Story!

This is a must listen if you like romantic and risqué reality television and true crime!